Faneca is an Answer at Interior Line

by maximus1212 on Apr 21, 2010 7:55 AM MDT

It is being reported at ESPN today that the Jets are quietly shopping Pro-Bowl Guard Alan Faneca (http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5120486). The report goes on to say that, if they are not able to find a willing trade partner during the draft, the Jets will consider simply releasing him.

Faneca has two primary down-sides. First, his salary is steep for an interior lineman at $7.5M per year. Second, he is 33-years old (or 32, depending on which web-site you check).

But Faneca has his upsides as well. He is still performing at a high level. Also, he has excelled playing for two teams in his career who are known around the league for their power-blocking schemes - the Steelers and the Jets. Think of the years that Willie Parker had (2+ years ago) and Shonn Greene had (last year) running between the tackles with Faneca clearing the way.

It is my assertion that, given the great need the Broncos have at interior line, McDaniels and Xanders should consider offering the 5th round pick just gained from the trade of Tony Scheffler to the Jets in return for Faneca.

Why? First, the trade would, essentially turn Scheffler and a 7th round pick into a Pro-Bowl Guard. Although Faneca is in his 13th season, great interior lineman tend to produce until they reach approximately 38, which would give us five quality years at that position. Second, it would allow us to concentrate on other positions during the draft - MLB, C, WR. Third, the trade would allow Moreno space to run between the tackles - think about what acquiring Brian Habib and Gary Zimmerman did for Terrell Davis (and we already have a dominant LT with Clady). Fourth and finally, the likelihood of our fifth round pick turning into a Pro-Bowl level talent at any position is minuscule.

I realize that the Jets may be shopping for more than a 5th round pick, but at this point it would be wise to test the waters and see how things develop over the next few days.

What do you think? Would Faneca fit our needs? And, if so, what would be the right price for him?

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

Yea I had an article on this yesterday with a poll as well

by DBroncs1414 on Apr 21, 2010 8:04 AM MDT reply actions

It sparked up a good debate

But most do want Faneca, and that after the draft. Check it out:

http://www.milehighreport.com/2010/4/20/1432579/alan-faneca-on-the-block

And also Ellis is on the block as well. Lombardi posted this yesterday on his DMN on NFP

by DBroncs1414 on Apr 21, 2010 8:06 AM MDT up reply actions

My Bad

Didn’t mean to double-up your post from yesterday. I’ve been sick for the past three days and haven’t even been on MHR. Just saw the news about Faneca and, considering that we built our Super Bowl winning lines off of three mid/late-career trades and FA’s (Zimmerman, Habib, and Schlereth) I thought it sounded like a good option.

Sorry again to double-up your post.

by maximus1212 on Apr 21, 2010 8:10 AM MDT up reply actions

NP

by DBroncs1414 on Apr 21, 2010 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions

I just don't think we want his contract

it’s 7.5 million. Wait for him to be waived, otherwise its not worth it.

by black_knight101 on Apr 21, 2010 8:19 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

my thoughts exactly.

What a drag it is getting old. - Mick

by orangeblood on Apr 21, 2010 9:02 AM MDT up reply actions

True, he does have a big contract.

But there are only two years remaining. That avoids the “one and gone” problem that Oakland continually faces, while also allowing us time to see what happens with the potential lockout.

I still think it’s reasonable to take on his contract in order to significantly strengthen our interior line. We were 18th in the league running the ball last year. I think a power-blocker like Faneca would be worth 250+ yards for Moreno next year. That’s worth a lot.

My one caveat…If Seth Olsen is ready to really contribute, we’re alright without a trade.

by maximus1212 on Apr 21, 2010 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions

Its not the 5th round pick I mind giving up, it's the contract we pick up.

I saw wait til he’s release and try to upsell him on coming to denver. Unless Bowlen thinks he has unspent money to spend from NOT paying BMarsh, then whatever I guess, trade for him.

by bronco112 on Apr 21, 2010 9:33 AM MDT reply actions

I would rather have a rookie 2nd rounder than Fanaca, more up side, less money, and longer shelf life.

by RichardC on Apr 21, 2010 9:56 AM MDT reply actions

Clady, Faneca, Pouncey, Kuper, and Harris would be a pretty nasty O-Line.

by higgyhoops12 on Apr 21, 2010 9:58 AM MDT reply actions

Agreed

That would indeed be a nasty o-line.

Put McClain on the defense with our #1 pick, and with our re-tooled D-Line I think we’d be dominant in the trenches in most games.

by maximus1212 on Apr 21, 2010 10:47 AM MDT up reply actions

Would love Faneca here

Especially if the Jets cut him.

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by Broncoman on Apr 21, 2010 10:12 AM MDT reply actions

Wait til after the draft and then see...

I think it would be a great pickup, but not willing to trade picks in a very deep draft.

If we don’t land a starting quality G in the draft, and if Olsen isn’t ready, then we could pay less for him after the draft.

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by Broncotodd on Apr 21, 2010 10:58 AM MDT reply actions

You could renegotiate that contract anyway...

Take the 5th and get Faneca. Take McLain with the 11th…use a 2nd or 3rd and get back in before STeelers at 18 and take Pouncey. Game over…..instantly updgraded…..then with our 2nd take Benn or Demayius Thomas (praying he is there!)
BOOM…..NOW WE ARE COOKING!

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All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
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by boydy2669 on Apr 21, 2010 10:59 AM MDT reply actions